NO expense was spared this week when a Tavistock football team recruited their latest star recruit — absolutely none whatsoever.
But the secret signing of Tavistock College teacher Tristan Forster by Ashley's All Stars this week comes just on the deadline for him to play in the festive charity game on Saturday).
Head of PE at Tavistock College Ashley Tossell is promising that his All Stars team will 'teach their opponents a lesson' when they take on a Tavistock Cricket Club XI at Tavistock Football Club's Langsford Park.
Ashley signed up Tristan, to bring a much needed youthful injection to his team, made up of former students and teachers.
Tristan, who is more renowned for his rugby skills, insisted on donning his 'lucky' number 18 shirt before signing on for the All Stars.
The traditional game, which kicks off at 10.30am, has been going for 20 years and this year will be raising money for the Heart Foundation at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Ashley, who is a former Tavistock FC and Tavistock Rugby Club player, explained that he chose the charity after the hospital performed a heart bypass on his father Roy four years ago.
The game is also a special one as last week saw Ashley retire after 31 years at the college — 19 of these as head of physical education.
But Ashley promises it will not be the end of the traditional post Christmas game between Ashley's All Stars v Tavistock Cricket Club.
He told the Times: 'Its a bit of fun. It all started with a game of cricket and we have played pool and darts. But because of the weather the cricket turned into football and even though I'm retiring I am sure it will carry on.'
Ashley also intends to help run the Tavistock Town U11s, the team his son Barney plays for.